I'll be arriving in DC from the south. I found out about the Mt. Vernon Trail, it looks awesome. Before I get to that though, does anyone know of a good route from Richmond to Mt. Vernon? I know about Adventure Cyling, but if I can help it I'm going to try to save the mere $11 that the map cost.(yes, I know I'm cheap). Also, while cycling around DC are the bike paths very well labeled? Any other tips on cycling in DC would be much appreciated!

DC bike trails are pretty well marked. There is also a good bike map put out by ADC.

You might be interested in the discussion we just had about the route between Fredericksburg and DC. N. VA: Biking Rt. 1
I don't know if Adventure Cycling still send you up route 1, but it's not the safest or most pleasant ride.

The Fredericksburg to Alexandria part starts the way I would, but then it sends you down Joplin road into some very dangerous biking conditions. Also the cue is from early 2001 which means that 1) many of the roads in Fairfax and Prince William have changed due to new development and 2) after 9/11 the roads thru Fort Belvoir were closed. To get thru it you have to ride route 1 itself for several miles

Seems like cycling up to DC from Fredericksburg isn't too much fun. Does anybody know if the adventure cycling route into DC is safe? From glancing at their map online (which isn't very detailed) it looks like it might go up route 1. anybody know?